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Saturday, December 24, 2011

I had planned on a happy post introducing the newest member of our family, but things have not gone well.

A few days ago, we adopted this little guy from a nearby city pound. For reasons I'll explain later, we call him Murray.

As you can imagine, the pound was a horrid place and we took him straight to the vet. Everything was going well until the other night when I noticed he had tired out particularly fast. Soon after, the vomiting and diarrhea started.

We took him to the vet the first thing in the morning and got smacked with our worst fear. He had the Parvo virus.

Many years ago, when I was a vet tech, veterinarians all across the country were being hit with a monster disease no one could identify. Puppies and even adult dogs died in spades, and they died painfully. I was at the clinic at all hours changing out bags of lactated Ringer's (fluids) and helping with blood transfusions. We lost almost everyone. In the meantime, scientists gave us a name for this disease. Canine parvovirus.

Today, with massive fluids, antibiotics and round the clock care, some puppies and dogs can be saved. This is where I am now.

Greg took Tank and Iko back home with him and I am here with Murray, doing my best to keep him alive long enough that he can rebuild his strength and fight off this disease. There is no cure for Parvo. It's just me and him. His odds are 50-50. He's very young and that's a big strike against him. He doesn't yet have a well developed immune system. But I did catch it early and that's a plus.

If Murray can give me 50%, I'll throw in the other 50 and maybe we can beat this thing. All I want for Christmas is a healthy puppy.

If you can find it in your heart, say a prayer for my little guy. We are desperate for a break from his downward spiral. We had an especially bad night yesterday. Murray needs all the prayers and good thoughts he can get.

I am taking off a few days to spend more time with my sick baby. I'll be back 12-31-11. Take care, everyone.

oh no! Parvo is a puppy owner's worst nightmare! But i've known a few people who gutted it out with their puppy and he pulled through. I know you and Murray can do this! I'll be thinking of you guys this christmas. And we're sending you good frenchie vibes from MN

Maria, our prayers are with you. I know what you are going through, as my wife and I have an animal sanctuary with 47 animals. It is heartbreaking to lose one. Stay strong, and you will keep Murray strong.

I had to take my own six-month old dog into the vet last weekend, after finding her eating pain relief tablets – they contained ingredients which can cause liver failure in dogs. Fortunately she was treated quickly, and is back to her bouncy self again now. But, I can understand what you must be going through.

I know you cherish your dogs and each one is loved heart and soul. I am praying for Murray and for increased strength for you to help with everything you have.Whichever way things go, Murray has known your love. I pray there will be many more years of love to come.

all the best for you two.My baby had a septisemy this year and i was devastated. I took him at home too and it wasn't easy he couldn't eat so i had to use a syring to give him his antibiotic and such ( he was happy) and he is thanksfully well now even really impatient to get his gift this year( after the vet told me he had only a small very small chance with his heart weakened and all)he is a fighter because he know i need him so much

Stay strong and tell him how much he counts for you and he will give you all he had

Dee: Thank you. We're just taking it hour by hour now. My goal right now is to make it to tomorrow.

Krista: Thank you. Every time I start to get depressed I remind myself there's no time for that now, not as long as he needs me.

Kay: Thank you, Kay.

Angela: He probably doesn't think too highly of me when I have to stick him with a needle. His crying just breaks my heart. But he forgives me quickly for which I'm grateful.

The Blogger Girlz: I never ask for anything for Christmas. But I'm asking this year. Thank you.

Miki: How awful. But I'm so glad your baby recovered.

I just pray I'm smart enough and intuitive enough to give Murray what he needs when he needs it. My vet didn't give me much hope either, but this isn't the first time I've had to move heaven and earth to save my babies. Thank you for sharing your story.

Poor little mite. A couple of years ago I asked my vet what his opinion was of the allegations that dogs don't need annual vaccination. He said that if it meant he never saw another case of parvo, in his opinion it was worth it. I hope your baby pulls through.

Most of my life has been spent cuddling and caring for one pet or another so Maria my heart goes out to you and Murray both. Christmas miracles do happen so all the prayers I can send to make this baby pull through are sent along with everyone else's and strength for you to make it through when your aching body wants to quit!

Hugs, hopes, prayers and good wishes Maria and Murray is in good hands for however long he lives. (Hope that is many happy years with his new family!)

Rosie: It's been so many years since I'd heard of anyone getting this disease I thought it was under control. My research turned out two more strains and a new one they just discovered in Viet Nam. It's a horrible disease even when the dog has a fighting chance.

Jackie: Thank you, Jackie. I know you understand this very well. It cuts you to the heart to see a little creature suffer so much.

Dru: Thank you, sweetie.

Raelyn: I wish your cards could tell me what to do next. If I'm not nursing him, I'm researching every veterinary text I can find. It hurts me to see him so weak.

Such an adorable pup - I can see why you fell in love with him.Lily survived parvo as a pup, thanks to the round-the-clock care from the rescue shelter volunteer. You're doing all you can for him. Prayers that he meets you halfway.

Cate: I struggled whether to do hospital or home care. There was a stubborn side to me that said I would do a better job taking care of him than strangers. Time will tell if I was right. Thank you for stopping by.

If you are still using present tense than the baby is hanging on and you are both still fighting the uphill battle today. Maria Merry Christmas and I hope as we all do that that battle turns out positively for your sake as well as that of Murray. Prayers still coming, stay well my friend!

Jackie: I "think" he is a teeny-tiny bit better today. He ate a teaspoon of cooked egg and a teaspoon of baby food. It's the first real food he's had in over two days. I've been keeping him alive with lactated Ringer's and a little bit of honey on his gums to keep his blood sugar up.

We are a long way from recovery, but I am keeping my hopes up. I am never more than a foot away from him and I watch him like a hawk.

Thought about you both all night and all day today. Eating and keeping nourishment in sounds like a good sign, I know with no doubt he is getting the best care it is possible to give him and my hope is that you are able to pull thus puppy through without making yourself ill. Hugs and best wishes to both of you and get some rest if you can.

I'm just getting around to being back on line. I missed this when it originally happened. Adding more prayers to the bunch. When we lost Pumpkin two hours after we'd brought him home it just about killed us. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Sounds like a good sign he wants to eat. I'm sure he's in great hands and happier with you than someone else. Take care of your precious baby and yourself!

I'm sorry that I'm late to all of this. I left a message for you at goodreads, then realized you were here. I was in tears reading the post then the comments. Maria, my prayers are with you guys!!!!All will be well because you believe and have love.HugsCecile

I keep stopping by to see if there is any news on the little guy. I'm so glad that I did. I see on the 27th you commented that he was getting better. Let's hope this continues and you will have Happy New Year!

We are, unfortunately, dealing with the same thing. Our 6 month old lab mix was diagnosed Christmas Eve. We've been treating him at home and he's doing remarkably well. He's back on puppy food, off the IV and eliminating solids. I pray you get the same miracle we did!

Maria, Murray hope your New Year starts off well and you both are doing fine.Since 7 weeks have gone past and improving as time goes on it won't be too long Murray before you are running circles around Mom and running her ragged from the sheer energy of a playful puppy!

Thank you, everyone! Murray is continuing to do well, but we had a little setback. Nothing too serious (I think), but we'll be going back to the vet on Monday to make sure. Evidently, we still have some work ahead of us.

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